OPERATIONS
SECURITY
16 August 2004
OPERATIONS
SECURITY
31 December 2003
OPERATIONS SECURITY
RE:AR 530-1, CH 1
Is the process of analyzing friendly actions pursuant to
military operations and other activities.



OPSEC maintains essential secrecy, which is the condition achieved by the
denial of critical information to adversaries.
OPSEC is an operations function and not a security function which protect
classified information. At battalion level the S-3is the staff proponent for
OPSEC, he implements other OPSEC measures to maintain surprise and
security.
OPSEC applies during peace, crisis, and war to all operations and support
activities.
5 Steps in the OPSEC Process
RE:AR 530-1, CH 3
1. Identification of Critical Information
2. Analysis of Threats
3. Analysis of Vulnerabilities
4. Assessment of Risks
5. Application of Appropriate Countermeasures
1. Identification of
Critical Information
Para. 3-4
The purpose of this step is to determine what needs protection.

Identify questions the enemy may ask (5Ws + 1H)

Facts about your intentions, capabilities, limitations

Information concerning protected person(s)

Operational and Tactical information (OPORD)

Test materials used in an academic environment

Sensitive Information FOUO/Classified Information
Identify the length of time critical information needs protection.
2. Analysis of Threats
Para. 3-5
The purpose of this step is to identify all vulnerabilities and/or indicators.

A vulnerability exists when an adversary can collect an indicator, correctly
analyze the information, make a decision, and take timely actions to degrade
friendly operations.

Indicators are data derived from open sources or from detectable actions that
an adversary can piece together or interpret to reach conclusions or estimates
concerning friendly intentions, capabilities or activities.

Examine each part of the OPORD/FRAGO to find OPSEC
vulnerabilities/indicators.
Threat Collection Efforts
App E

Human Intelligence (HUMINT) - Overt, Covert and Clandestine

Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) (New update)

Imagery Intelligence (IMINT)

Signal Intelligence (SIGINT)
3 Types of Indicators
App B-1, B-2
1.
PROFILE- Activity patterns and signatures that shows how your
activities are normally conducted.
2.
DEVIATION- Profile changes which helps an adversary learn about
your intentions, preparations, time and place.
3.
TIP-OFF- Actions that warn or shows an adversary of friendly
impending activity.
Characteristics of an Indicator

Signature is an identifiable trace or something that causes it to stand
out.

Associations compares current with past indicator information for
relationship.

Profiles are other indicators that have not been observed or detected.

Contrast only needs be recognized not understood.

Exposure includes duration, repetition, and timing of exposed
indicator.
3. Analyze the Vulnerabilities
para 3-6
The purpose of this step is to identify possible OPSEC measures for each
vulnerability/indicator.
OPSEC measures are methods and means to gain and maintain essential
secrecy about critical information using:
1. Action Control: Select a COA, impose restraints on actions and
determine the 5Ws +1H for actions necessary to accomplish
collective/individual tasks.
2. Countermeasures attack the adversaries collection efforts using
Diversions, Camouflage, Concealment, Jamming, Deception, Police
Powers and Force.
3. Counteranalysis provides a possible alternate analysis for an indicator.
Confuse the adversary analyst through deception.
3. Analyze the Vulnerabilities
para 3-6
The purpose of this step is to identify possible OPSEC countermeasures
for each vulnerability/indicator.

Select two OPSEC countermeasures for each vulnerability/indicator.

Some countermeasures interact and may apply to more than one
vulnerability/indicator.

Assess the sufficiency of routine security measures (PerSec, PhySec,
InfoSec, ComSec). These will provide OPSEC countermeasures for
residual vulnerabilities/indicator.
4. Assessment of Risks
para 3-7
This step is to select the OPSEC countermeasures for implementation.

The leader balance risking operational success/failure versus
selecting the right/wrong OPSEC countermeasures.

Check interaction of select OPSEC countermeasures.

Coordinate select OPSEC countermeasures with lateral units and
bring attach leaders into your briefings.

The TF commander may decide on a “no-measures” alternative.
4. Application of Appropriate
Countermeasures para 3-8
Apply the selected countermeasures, to the operation or incorporate into plans
for future operations.
 Emphasize the adverse results if failure to maintain effective OPSEC.
 Implement countermeasures first on indicators requiring immediate action
or as directed by the TF commander.
 Document the measures or state “no-measures” alternative.
 Monitor each countermeasures before and during execution, evaluate
effectiveness.
 Recommend to improve effectiveness of countermeasures or select new
measures when new vulnerabilities develop.
Congratulations!
You have completed your annual
2015 Operations Security Training
PRINT GIVEN NAME
No Nicknames
COMPLETION DATE
SIGNATURE
NAF EMPLOYEE ID NUMBER
By signing and submitting this certificate, I certify that I have read and understand the content in the training presentation.
Fill in the required information above and get this certificate to your Department Training Liaison